As President of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, I wish to
welcome Pope Francis’ appointment today of Father Donal Roche as Titular
Bishop of Cell Ausaille, and Auxiliary Bishop of the
Archdiocese of Dublin.
I have known Father Donal from my seminary days when we studied theology together in Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth.
Father Donal is a man of prayer and a devoted pastor with a genuine love for the priesthood and for his people.
I look forward to welcoming Father Donal to meetings of the Bishops’ Conference in Maynooth.
Today’s announcement is particularly good news for Archbishop Dermot Farrell of Dublin, as he leads the largest diocese on the island, and for the people and priests that he will serve.
I thank Father Donal for accepting this new call from God to serve in Church leadership.
I am grateful to his parents, family and parish for the support given to his faith formation, and to the Archdiocese of Dublin for helping prepare Father Donal for his new ministry.
Please pray for Father Donal as he prepares for his Episcopal ordination and, in this Year for Vocation, pray for vocations to the priesthood throughout Ireland.
May God bless Father Donal’s mission and ministry and may he have the gifts of wisdom and courage in abundance.